Pretty playing with foil

[fixit7]

https://imgur.com/gallery/l5x46Uf

 

[noodles123]

https://imgur.com/gallery/l5x46Uf

I'm always weary to click on a link! Any chance you could post the image to your profile and then paste the BB code or whatever into the message using the mountain button at the top of the message box? Profile can be found on the right-hand side of your home page (I think it is underneath where you would see "friends")

 

[Owlet]

The link contains an video of a budgie playing with what I can only assume is aluminum foil. It's cute however I wouldn't let your bird play with it they could very easily get hurt and it could very easily lead to heavy metal poisoning. And even if it isnt aluminum foil I wouldn't recommend letting your bird play with foil of any kind

 

[wrench13]

Yeah foil of any type is not a good material for birds to play with - too easy for them to nip off and ingest some of it.

 

[DestinyCall]

Aluminum isn't toxic to birds. In fact, cages made from anodized aluminum are as safe as stainless steel and very light. Foil still isn't a great choice for toys, because it is so soft that it is easy for the bird to break off and ingest small sharp pieces.

And you should be cautious because, historically, some foils were made using tin. Tin is toxic to birds.

 

[noodles123]

Aluminum isn't toxic to birds. In fact, cages made from anodized aluminum are as safe as stainless steel and very light. Foil still isn't a great choice for toys, because it is so soft that it is easy for the bird to break off and ingest small sharp pieces.

And you should be cautious because, historically, some foils were made using tin. Tin is toxic to birds.

I also discovered that the heavy-duty types often are coated in Teflon (just an FYI)

OP-- it's a cute video. Sorry lol! I hope we didn't scare you off!

 

[DestinyCall]

That is interesting. I don't think Teflon is dangerous at room temperatures, but I imagine there could be a danger if the coated foil was over-heated. Most oven cooking is done at lower temperatures than what is necessary to cause Teflon to release fumes. But stove top cooking with foil wraps might do it.

 

[noodles123]

That is interesting. I don't think Teflon is dangerous at room temperatures, but I imagine there could be a danger if the coated foil was over-heated. Most oven cooking is done at lower temperatures than what is necessary to cause Teflon to release fumes. But stove top cooking with foil wraps might do it.

When humans ingest it (via food cooked in said pans), it is found in breast milk, so I wouldn't necessarily want that in my bird, although I agree, the primary risk is respiratory (due to off-gassing)

 

[DestinyCall]

Unless it is actually doing something bad to the milk, I don't really see the problem. All the research I've done indicates that solid Teflon is inert and non-toxic. It only becomes hazardous when heated to extreme temperatures.

Fortunately, many manufacturers are moving away from using non-stick coatings that contain perfluorooctonoic acid (PFOA), the compound responsible for Teflon's bad reputation. In fact, it has not been used in brand name Teflon products since 2015. In addition to killing birds, it is also a suspected carcinogen and reproductive toxin. Good riddance!

 

[noodles123]

Unless it is actually doing something bad to the milk, I don't really see the problem. All the research I've done indicates that solid Teflon is inert and non-toxic. It only becomes hazardous when heated to extreme temperatures.

Fortunately, many manufacturers are moving away from using non-stick coatings that contain perfluorooctonoic acid (PFOA), the compound responsible for Teflon's bad reputation. In fact, it has not been used in brand name Teflon products since 2015. In addition to killing birds, it is also a suspected carcinogen and reproductive toxin. Good riddance!

PFOA is DEFINITELY not the only chemical tied to bird deaths/Teflon....Silicone can even kill birds when heated. PTFE and PFCs....PTFE and PFOA are differentiated repeatedly (although related)...and PTFE actually appears to be the more dangerous of the 2.

"Firstly, what is Teflon, PTFE and PFOA?

Teflon is the brand name for a plastic product called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is another chemical that is used in the process of making PTFE. It is NOT the same as PTFE."

PTFE poisoning is listed on all sorts of veterinary websites etc...so don't assume Teflon is safe....
The EPA decided that PFOA was a toxic substance...after like 82 years of allowing it....BUT, Teflon etc still has bird warnings due to PTFE.

Also, the "research" out there that talks about safe temperatures is often funded by the companies making this junk and there have been numerous bird deaths in documented within veterinary/academic/zoological settings within the 300-400 F temperature range...so don't depend on the numbers DuPont gives...

 

[fixit7]

The link contains an video of a budgie playing with what I can only assume is aluminum foil. It's cute however I wouldn't let your bird play with it they could very easily get hurt and it could very easily lead to heavy metal poisoning. And even if it isnt aluminum foil I wouldn't recommend letting your bird play with foil of any kind

I think you worry too much.

Parakeets like to forage and they will peck on most anything.

Take care,
Andy

 

[fixit7]

Aluminum isn't toxic to birds. In fact, cages made from anodized aluminum are as safe as stainless steel and very light. Foil still isn't a great choice for toys, because it is so soft that it is easy for the bird to break off and ingest small sharp pieces.

And you should be cautious because, historically, some foils were made using tin. Tin is toxic to birds.

I also discovered that the heavy-duty types often are coated in Teflon (just an FYI)

OP-- it's a cute video. Sorry lol! I hope we didn't scare you off!

You did not scare me off.

I am a retired chemist.

My decision to use the foil as an enrichment toy was not made randomly.

Andy

 

[fixit7]

I never got any emails showing someone responded to my posts?

How can I fix that?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[noodles123]

I never get emails either- there may be a way under notification settings, but I am not sure. I just usually log-in and check by either clicking on my profile and searching for posts by me, or just viewing most recently active threads.

 

[wrench13]

Some folks will seek medical advice from multiple doctors until they find one that agrees with their own personal opinion. Which one should be heeded I leave to you.